Medical alert/DNA storage sticker

ABSTRACT

A device for storing a DNA-containing object and providing information from the individual supplying the DNA-containing object is provided. Preferably, the invention comprises a receptacle which can include the information thereon. Preferred forms include a layer of adhesive for adhering the receptacle to a desired location. Other preferred forms are in the form of layered cards which have the receptacle therein. A first layer provides the desired information as indicia or in a medium which can be read with the aid of an electronic device and a second layer includes the receptacle. Preferably, the first layer overlies the second layer such that a DNA-containing object which is placed within the receptacle is enclosed therein by the positioning of the first layer over the open end of the receptacle. Other preferred forms include a sheet of removable backing paper or a releasing agent overlying the adhesive so that the device can be selectively placed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is broadly concerned with anadhesive-backed DNA storage device. In more detail, the presentinvention is concerned with a DNA storage device which can be attachedto many different surfaces through an adhesive-containing stickersurface on the storage device. Even more particularly, the presentinvention is concerned with a DNA storage device which has a top surfacewhich includes indicia related to a specific individual's medicalhistory and/or identification. The bottom surface of this storage deviceincludes adhesive so that the device can be attached to a variety ofsurfaces. Between this top surface and bottom surface, there is an areadesigned for the storage of a DNA-containing object. Most particularly,the present invention is concerned with a combination DNA storage deviceand sticker wherein the combination has identification and medicalrelated indicia printed thereon, a storage area for the DNA-containingobject, an adhesive surface, and a sheet of removable backing papercovering the adhesive surface until placement of the device.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Medical alert and identification tags have been used in the pastto assist in the identification of individuals and provide a selectedamount of information regarding the individual's medical history orcondition. Such tags have taken on a variety of forms includingbracelets, cards, record books, computer readable memory devices, andstickers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,605 discloses a wallet cardcontaining microfilm chips bearing medical information. Other examplesare provided by U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,660 which discloses a medical alertbracelet and U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,554 which discloses an informationalcredit card-like device. Such devices do not include any indication ofhow to positively identify the identity of the individual holding thecard or wearing the device. Furthermore, these devices are designed tobe carried or worn by the individual and can be easily lost or theindividual may not carry the device at all times, thereby severelyreducing their usefulness.

[0005] The remaining prior art lacks in the area of portability in thatthe object upon which the medical information is stored is either easilyseparated from the individual to whom it is related or is not of aconvenient enough size to be placed in enough areas for emergency usage.

[0006] Similarly, DNA storage devices have taken on a variety of formsincluding boxes, vials, and other receptacles. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 6,140,936 discloses a personal electronic storage device containerand labeling. This patent discloses a memory card containing informationrelated to medical treatment in conjunction with jewelry. The cardcontains a label having some critical medical information thereon withthe bulk of information being provided on the memory card. It wassuggested in this patent that a DNA-containing sample could be attachedto the surface of the chip for DNA testing and verification of identity.As with the prior art medical alert bracelets and cards, such aninvention can be easily misplaced or not worn. Consequently, thecritical information contained on the memory card and/or any otherassociated information or DNA identification aid would not be readilyaccessible when needed. Such devices are also deficient in that they arenot designed to be placed in a variety of places in a manner which makesthe DNA sample and corresponding medical or health information remaintogether and hard to separate from the location where they are placed.

[0007] What is needed in the art is a device object which containseasily readable medical information and a DNA-containing object whichwas obtained from the individual providing the medical information onthe object. More particularly, what is needed is a sticker which housesa DNA-containing object and has a top surface which includes anynecessary medical or health-related information. Such a sticker could becarried as a card, or placed on a variety of surfaces such as onpassports, driver's licenses, in each room of houses, in automobiles, onother motorized and non-motorized vehicles, and virtually any othersurface which would support a sticker, thereby increasing the likelihoodthat the medical information and/or DNA-containing object will be easilyaccessible when needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention overcomes the problems outlined above, andprovides a distinct advance in the state of the art. The inventionprovides a device which houses a DNA-containing object. Preferably, thedevice contains adhesive on at least one side. The invention furtherprovides indicia on a portion of the device and this indicia containsinformation comprising identifying information, medical information, andmedical history information. The DNA-containing object is obtained fromthe individual corresponding to the indicia. The device may also containsupplemental information, such as health related information, a detailedmedical history, prescription drug information, allergy alerts, or acomplete medical profile of the individual providing the DNA-containingobject, wherein the supplemental information is provided as the printedindicia or is contained on a medium which is able to be read with theaid of an electronic device such as a computer. Computer readable chipsor discs including compact discs as well as bar codes are examples ofsuch a medium. Thus, the present invention can be used foridentification verification, as a quick reference for important medicalor personal information, or as a more detailed reference for suchinformation.

[0009] Broadly speaking, the device of the present invention comprises areceptacle adapted for storing a DNA-containing object and preferably alayer of adhesive for attaching the receptacle to a variety of surfaces.The device includes at least some printed indicia thereon and thisprinted indicia may be included on a layer of material attached to oroverlying the receptacle. The printed indicia preferably includesidentifying information regarding the individual from whom theDNA-containing object was obtained. The amount of printed indicia canvary and when more information is desired, the device can furtherinclude information which can be read or deciphered via electronicmeans. Thus, in some embodiments, the receptacle and/or the layer ofmaterial overlying the receptacle may include basic information such asname, birth date, or social security number and additional informationsuch as a detailed medical history can be contained in a bar code orcomputer readable memory device or can be included with the printedindicia. Such a computer readable memory device may include a compactdisc or the like and this memory device may be contained in the samereceptacle as the DNA-containing object. In some forms, the inventionmay include a protective shield or enclosure for the memory device.

[0010] The DNA-containing object can be any object from which DNA can beextracted including hair, fingernails, blood, saliva, skin andcombinations thereof. The object can be large or small depending uponthe receptacle size and desired placement of the invention. TheDNA-containing object may be contained on a separate medium designed toprotect and/or preserve the DNA in the object. Moreover, the separatemedium may also be used to obtain the DNA sample. For example, IsoCodePaper (Schleicher & Schuell GmbH, Dassel/Relliehausen, Germany) isdesigned to obtain and preserve DNA in a saliva sample and such anobject may be used with the present invention.

[0011] For purposes of the present invention, the receptacle maycomprise any object capable of holding a DNA-containing object. Thus,the receptacle may comprise something as simple as the space createdwhen two layers of material are joined together. Other preferred formsof receptacles include cut-out portions of core layers, flexible blisterpouches, and rigid blister pouches. In other forms, the receptacle issized to accommodate the DNA-containing object and a memory deviceeither with or without a protective sleeve or enclosure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the invention comprises a DNA-containingobject sandwiched between two layers of material. The top layer ofmaterial includes the desired indicia (printed and/or computer readable)and the bottom layer of material includes a layer of adhesive forsticking to other surfaces. This embodiment may further include a sheetof removable backing paper or another suitable releasing agent overlyingthe layer of adhesive such that the invention can be transported to itsultimate destination before having the removable backing paper removedand the invention attached to some surface. Such an embodiment could beattached to a driver's license, passport, interior of a car, laptopcomputer, or any other surface likely to be near the individual. In thisembodiment, the invention resembles a two-layer sticker with the toplayer including indicia on the front side and adhesive on the back sideand the bottom layer including adhesive on each side such that the toplayer adhesive and the bottom layer adhesive are attached.Alternatively, just one of these layers needs adhesive thereon or theadhesive can be separately applied. The DNA-containing object isretained between these two layers of adhesive or two layers of thesticker with the back side of the bottom layer being attached to anothersurface.

[0013] In another embodiment, the invention comprises a receptacle forholding a DNA-containing object and a layer of adhesive on thereceptacle. Printed indicia can be contained on the receptacle itself oron a separate layer of material attached to the receptacle. Thisseparate layer of material preferably includes a front side and anopposed back side wherein the back side is attached to the receptacle,preferably via an adhesive which can be contained on the layer, thereceptacle, separately applied or any combination thereof. This layer ofmaterial may enclose the DNA-containing object within the receptacle andmay further include indicia on the front side of the layer of material.In a preferred form of this embodiment, the receptacle comprises a corelayer having a cut-out portion for receiving and holding theDNA-containing object. This cut-out portion can extend through the corelayer or can just be a cavity which does not extend through the core.The core will have a top side to which a sheet of material is attachedand a bottom side. The bottom side will either have adhesive thereon orthere will be another layer of material adjacent the core bottom sideand this layer of material will have adhesive on both sides. Regardlessof where the adhesive is contained, the adhesive may be covered by areleasing agent or by a sheet of removable backing paper. The sheet ofmaterial attached to the top side of the core preferably includes theindicia. In some forms, the sheet of material may be attached to thecore portion via adhesive contained either on the sheet or on the coreor separately applied. In other forms, the sheet of material may haveadhesive thereon and further include a sheet of removable backing paperoverlying the adhesive such that after a DNA-containing object is placedin the cut-out portion, the removable backing paper is removed from thelayer of material and this layer of material is placed on top of thecore, thereby enclosing the DNA-containing object within the cavity andunder the layer of material. When attachment and re-attachment isdesired, a releasing agent can be applied to facilitate such action.When a releasing agent is utilized, a sheet of removable backing papercan still be used to prevent inadvertent adhering of the layers. In avariation of this form, the sheet of material may include a hingedportion overlying the cut-out portion and this hinged portion can beseparated from the cut-out portion by a sheet of removable backingpaper. In this form, the DNA-containing object is placed within thecut-out portion, the sheet of removable backing paper is removed fromthe sheet of material and the core and hinged portion are adheredtogether. Alternatively, the hinged portion is peeled up to expose thecut-out portion of the core, the DNA-containing object is placed withinthe cutout portion and the hinged portion repositioned over the cut-outportion to enclose the DNA-containing object therein. In some forms ofthis embodiment, the hinged portion will be adhered to the area of thecore surrounding the cut-out portion. Thus, a sheet of removable backingpaper or a releasing agent can be included between the core and thehinged portion and removed when it is desired to enclose the cut-outportion and any DNA-containing object contained therein.

[0014] In yet another form, present invention comprises a sticker havinga first layer which has a hinged flap thereon, a top and an opposedbottom. This form further comprises a second layer which has a top sideand a bottom side wherein the top side of the second layer and thebottom side of the first layer are adjacent and the bottom side of thesecond layer includes a layer of adhesive thereon. The second layerfurther includes a cut-out portion which presents an open cavity whenthe second layer is moved apart from the first layer and an enclosedcavity when the first and second layers are lying adjacent to oneanother. The cut-out portion can extend only partially through thesecond layer or may extend all of the way through the second layer. Whenthe cut-out portion extends completely through the second layer, thereceptacle become enclosed when the bottom side of the second layer ispositioned against another surface and the top side of the second layeris positioned against the bottom side of the first layer. ADNA-containing object may then be placed in the cavity created by thecut-out portion. This embodiment further includes indicia thereon,preferably on the top side of the first layer. As with all other formsof the invention, the indicia can be printed, embossed, etched, orcontained on a medium which is decipherable using the aid of anelectronic device. Preferably, the indicia identifies the individualfrom whom the DNA-containing object was obtained. The indicia may alsocontain medical information of the individual. In preferred forms, thehinged flap is positioned above the cut-out portion and the first andsecond layers are attached. Moreover, a releasing agent and/or a sheetof removable backing paper is provided at the hinged portion on thebottom side of the first layer. The invention may further include asheet of removable backing paper or releasing agent on the bottom sideof the second layer so that the adhesive thereon is protected until itis desired to adhere the sticker to a selected surface.

[0015] In another embodiment, the invention comprises a first layer ofmaterial, a second layer of material having a cut-out portion, and athird layer of material adapted to overlie the cut-out portion. Again,the cut-out portion can extend all of the way through the second layerof material or can merely extend through part of the cut-out portion.When the cut-out portion extends through the second layer, the firstlayer will function as a bottom wall for the cut-out portion. In thisform, the first layer will include a top side adjacent the second layerwhich functions as the bottom wall and a bottom side which includes alayer of adhesive thereon. When the cut-out portion does not extendthrough the second layer, the bottom wall will be formed by the materialforming the second layer and the sidewalls connecting the bottom wall tothe top of the second layer of material will form a receptacle therein.In this form, the first layer may merely comprise a layer of adhesive towhich a sheet of removable backing paper can be attached. The size ofthe cut-out portion will vary depending upon the amount or size of theDNA-containing material which will be stored in the cut-out portion. Thethird layer of material which overlies the cut-out portion may includeadhesive and a sheet of removable backing paper. To use such anembodiment, the third layer of material is peeled back or otherwiseremoved from its location overlying the cut-out portion, aDNA-containing object is placed within the cut-out portion, and thethird layer is then repositioned such that it overlies the cut-outportion. If this third layer includes adhesive or if adhesive issurrounding the cut-out portion, the sheet of removable backing paper isremoved and the third layer adhered to the second layer. Indicia can beincluded on either the top of the third layer of material or insituations where the third layer has a smaller area than the secondlayer, the indicia can be located on the portion of the second layersurrounding the third layer. Alternatively, the indicia can be locatedon any visible surface of the invention.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the inventioncomprises a receptacle for holding a DNA-containing object. Thisreceptacle may comprise a flexible or rigid blister pouch formed offoil, plastic, or the like. The receptacle would have an open end forreceiving the DNA-containing object and otherwise be enclosed on allsides. The receptacle could then be attached to a sheet of material andthis sheet of material could contain indicia thereon. The receptaclewould then be enclosed by a second sheet of material presenting a frontside and an opposed back side. The front side would lie adjacent thereceptacle open end and the back side would include a layer of adhesivethereon. This layer of adhesive may then be covered by a sheet ofremovable backing paper. In some forms, the front side of the secondsheet may also include a layer of adhesive thereon to facilitate theattachment of the receptacle to the second sheet. In other forms of thisembodiment, the receptacle is attached to or integrally formed withanother sheet of material and this sheet of material may include indiciaon one side of the sheet as well as a layer of adhesive on the side ofthe sheet opposite the indicia. The receptacle may be contained on ahinged portion of this sheet of material such that the hinged portioncould be moved to facilitate the insertion of a DNA-containing objectinto the receptacle and then moved to be attached to the second sheet ofmaterial. Alternatively, the receptacle may comprise a separate bodyduring formation of the invention. Such a receptacle would preferablypresent a flanged portion adjacent the open end thereof to facilitateattachment to a layer of material. To further secure the receptacle,another sheet of material is provided which includes a cut-out portionfor receiving the receptacle therethrough and adhering to the flangedportion of the receptacle. This then provides an embodiment having threelayers in addition to the receptacle. The first layer is a sheet ofremovable backing paper. The second layer is removably attached to thefirst layer and includes a layer of adhesive on at least one sidethereof. The receptacle is then adhered to this second layer preferablyat the flanged portion of the receptacle. The third layer is thenpositioned over the second layer and receptacle such that a cut-outportion of the third layer is directly above the receptacle. The cut-outportion can be of any size but it is preferred that the receptacle fitwithin the cut-out portion. The third layer is then adhered to thesecond layer via adhesive which is contained on either the second layer,third layer, or both. The side of the third layer opposite the sideadhered to the second layer includes indicia thereon.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, a medical alertcard is provided. Basically, the medical alert card comprises a cardbody presenting a first and second layer which are removably attached.The first layer includes indicia presenting medical information or thelike thereon and the second layer comprises a core having a receptacletherein. A portion of the first layer overlies the receptacle of thesecond portion, thereby enclosing the receptacle. The back side of thesecond layer preferably includes a layer of adhesive thereon which maybe protected by a third layer comprising a releasing agent or sheet ofremovable backing paper or any combination thereof. Indicia may also beincluded on the second layer, especially if the area of the first layerexceeds the area of the second area. In some forms of this embodiment,the first layer comprises a foil sticker. In other forms, the first andsecond layers are adhered together via a layer of adhesive contained onat least one of the adjacent faces of the first or second layers. Thereceptacle is preferably selected from the group consisting of aflexible blister pouch, a rigid blister pouch, and a cut-out portion andis adapted to hold a DNA-containing object therein. Of course, theDNA-containing object and the indicia correspond to the same individual.

[0018] Finally, another embodiment of the present invention comprises anindividualized medical alert card. The card comprises three layers, thefirst layer has medical and identifying information thereon, the secondlayer is a core layer which has a receptacle therein, and the thirdlayer comprises a sheet of removable backing paper and/or a releasingagent. In preferred forms, the first layer presents a front side whichincludes medical information and a back side which is positionedadjacent the second layer. The second layer also presents a front sideand a back side with the front side of the second layer being positionedadjacent and the back side is adjacent the third layer. Preferably, thesecond layer includes a layer of adhesive thereon, however, the adhesivemay be separately applied or may comprise at least a portion of thethird layer. Preferably, the receptacle comprises a cut-out portionsimilar to that previously described. A DNA-containing object obtainedfrom the individual corresponding to the medical and identifyinginformation can then be placed in the receptacle. In some forms, thesecond layer of this embodiment may be formed of a flexible material(e.g. paper) while in other forms, the second layer may be formed or amore rigid material (e.g. plastic).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a medical alert DNA storage stickerin accordance with the invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a medical alert DNA storagesticker illustrating the cut-out portion of the center layer;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken through line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a medical alertDNA storage sticker in accordance with the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a medical alert DNA storagesticker of FIG. 4 illustrating one location of the cut-out portion andthe hinged portion of the top layer;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken through line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

[0025]FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the medical alert DNA storagesticker of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the medicalalert DNA storage sticker of the present invention illustrating asticker having a clear top sheet;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the medicalalert DNA storage of the present invention illustrating a blister pack;

[0028]FIG. 10 is perspective view of another embodiment of the medicalalert DNA storage of the present invention illustrating the differentlayers of an embodiment including a blister pack; and

[0029]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the medicalalert DNA storage of the present invention illustrating a DNA receptaclecontained on a hinged portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0030] The following disclosure sets forth preferred embodiments of thepresent invention. It is to be understood, however, that theseembodiments are provided by way of illustration and nothing thereinshould be taken as a limitation upon the overall scope of the invention.

[0031] Turning now to FIGS. 1-3, a medical alert DNA storage sticker 20is illustrated. The sticker 20 includes a top layer 22 having indiciathereon, a core layer 24 having a DNA-containing object 26 thereon, anda bottom layer 28. Top layer 22 includes top side 30 and bottom side 32which has a layer of adhesive 34 thereon. Top layer 22 further includesindicia 36 thereon and may include certain indicia 38 which is readablevia an electronic means. Computer readable indicia 38 comprises a barcode or other computer readable indicia. Core layer 24 provides aplatform for DNA-containing object 26 and also functions to give thesticker 20 strength and durability. Core layer 24 can be made of anysuitable material and preferred materials are selected from the groupconsisting of foam rubber, thermoset foam, plastic, cardboard, paper,and combinations thereof. Core layer 24 presents a top side 40 and anopposed bottom side 42 having a layer of adhesive 44 thereon. Bottomlayer 28 preferably comprises a sheet of removable backing paper adaptedto overlie layer of adhesive 44. A releasing agent 46 may be appliedbetween any of the layers in order to facilitate the attachment andre-attachment of one layer to another. The construction thereforepermits the removal of bottom layer 28 such that the sticker 20 can beapplied to a desired surface while retaining the DNA-containing object26 below a top layer which has some form of indicia 36, 38 thereon.

[0032] Another embodiment of the present invention can be seen in FIGS.4, 5 and 6 which illustrate a sticker 20 in accordance with theinvention. Sticker 20 presents a top layer 48 having a top side 50 withprinted indicia 52 and in some embodiments, computer readable indicia 54thereon. The top layer further presents a hinged portion 56 and furtherincludes a layer of adhesive 58 on the bottom side 60 adjacent middlelayer 62. Of course, adhesive 58 could also be applied to middle layer62 in addition to bottom side 60 or just be applied to middle layer 62.Middle layer 62 presents a top side 64 and an opposed bottom side 66 anda cut-out portion 68 therebetween. Cut-out portion 68 can extend all orjust part of the way through middle layer 62 and form a receptaclebounded by the sidewalls 70 defining the cut-out portion 68. Whencut-out portion 68 extends through middle layer 62, the bottom of thereceptacle is formed by bottom layer 72. A layer of adhesive 74 ispositioned between bottom layer 72 and middle layer 62 or is dispersedon either or both of these layers 72, 62. To use this embodiment, hingedportion 56 is peeled back from middle layer 62 or opened to reveal thereceptacle created by cut-out portion 68. A releasing agent or sheet ofremovable backing paper 76 is preferably located between hinged portion56 and cut-out portion 68 in order to facilitate the opening of hingedportion 56. A DNA-containing object 78 is then placed within cut-outportion 68 and hinged portion 56 is returned to its position overlyingcut-out portion 68. If a sheet of removable backing paper 76 isincluded, it is removed so that the top layer 48 and middle layer 62 areadhered together so that the DNA-containing object 78 is retainedtherein. In some embodiments, top layer 48 may comprise one or moresticker portions 80 adhered to the top layer 48. Such a constructionwould facilitate selective replacement of indicia 52, 54 located on toplayer 48 should the information contained thereon become outdated orworn off without compromising the DNA-containing object 78 or theplacement of sticker 20 on a desired surface.

[0033] Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7.This sticker 20 comprises a layer of material 82 having a recess 84designed to retain a DNA-containing object 86 therein. Layer of material82 presents a top side 88 with printed indicia 90 and, optionally,computer readable indicia 92 such as a bar code thereon. Top side 88 mayhave the indicia 90, 92 printed embossed or engraved directly thereon ormay further include a sticker 94 adhered thereto wherein the sticker 94includes the printed indicia thereon. In some forms of this embodiment,a layer of adhesive is applied to the bottom side of layer 82 tofacilitate the attachment of sticker 20 to desired surfaces. Thisadhesive may be covered by a releasing agent or sheet of removablebacking paper 96 to keep sticker 20 from adhering to undesired surfaces.To cover the recess 84 after a DNA-containing object 86 is placedtherein, a top layer sticker 98 is placed atop recess 84. Top layersticker 98 has a layer of adhesive 100 on the back side 102 whichadheres to layer of material 82 surrounding recess 84 and encloses theDNA-containing object 86 therein. Printed indicia may be included on thetop of sticker 98. In some forms of this embodiment, a flanged portionsurrounds the recess 84 and provides an area for sticker 98 to be placedso that the top of the sticker 98 is flush with top side 88.Alternatively, sticker 98 is just attached to top side 88. As shown inFIG. 7, this embodiment is in the shape of a card which affords avariety of embodiments depending upon the selection of material used inthe construction of sticker 20 and the location upon which sticker 20 isgoing to be adhered. For example, layer of material 82 can be formed ofa variety of materials including plastic or resin which would provide asticker which could be placed in an individual's wallet, much like acredit card. Alternatively, the layer of material could be made of amaterial having paper-like characteristics and sticker 20 could then beadhered to a variety of surfaces.

[0034] Another embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 8. Thisembodiment is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 7 but rather thanincluding a top layer sticker 98 which covers the recess area only, asee-through layer 104 covers substantially the entire area of top side88. See-through layer 104 encloses the DNA-containing object 86 inrecess 84 and permits the indicia to be read as well as protected whenlayer 104 is placed atop top side 88. It is also noted that sticker 94may be segmented or may be one unitary body with a hole therethroughwhich provides access to recess 84.

[0035] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate different forms of yet another embodimentof the present invention which incorporates a pouch 106 which is adaptedto house a DNA-containing object. Pouch 106 can be flexible or rigidblister pouch and can further be opaque or see-through. This embodimentcomprises a first layer 108 presenting a top side 110 and an opposedbottom side 112. Top side 110 includes printed indicia 114 thereon and aopen area 116 which extends through layer 108. Pouch 106 includessidewalls 118 leading to flanged portion 120 at one end and top side 122at the opposite end thereof. Pouch 106 can be integrally formed withfirst layer 108 (FIG. 9) or can be a separate body (exploded view, FIG.10) which extends through open area 116. First layer 108 is adjacentsecond layer 124 which is also adjacent third layer 126. Second layer124 encloses the open end of pouch 106 when pouch 106 extends throughopen area 116 and second layer 124 is adhered to first layer 108. Secondlayer 124 may have adhesive and or a releasing agent on either side 128130 to facilitate attachment to first layer 108 and third layer 126.Third layer 126 preferably comprises a releasing agent or sheet ofremovable backing paper which can be removed to expose the adhesive onthe bottom side 130 of second layer 124 so that sticker 20 can beattached to any desired surface. FIG. 11 illustrates a slight variantover the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 in that first layer 108 includes ahinged portion 132 which can be lifted to insert a DNA-containing objectin pouch 106. Once a DNA-containing object is placed in pouch 106,hinged portion 132 is returned to its placement adjacent second layer124, thereby enclosing the DNA-containing object in pouch 106. Again,pouch 106 can be integrally formed with first layer 108 or can comprisea separate body which is subsequently attached to first layer 108.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a receptacle for holding aDNA-containing object, said receptacle including a layer of receptacleadhesive thereon.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising alayer of material attached to said receptacle, said material presentinga front side and an opposed back side, said back side being adjacentsaid receptacle and including a layer of material adhesive thereon. 3.The apparatus of claim 2, said receptacle adhesive being covered by alayer of material selected from the group consisting of removablebacking paper, releasing agent, and combinations thereof.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 2, said receptacle comprising a flexible blisterpouch.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, said blister pouch being attached tosaid layer of material.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, said receptaclecomprising a rigid blister pouch.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, saidrigid blister pouch being attached to said layer of material.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, said receptacle including indicia thereon.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 2, said layer of material front side includingindicia thereon.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, said indicia providinginformation regarding an individual.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a DNA-containing object.
 12. The apparatus of claim11, said receptacle including indicia providing personal informationregarding an individual, said DNA-containing object being obtained fromthe individual.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, said personal informationincluding identifying information.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, saidpersonal information including medical information.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 2, said receptacle comprising a cavity within a card, said layerof material overlying said cavity.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, saidcard comprising a material selected from the group consisting of foamrubber, thermoset foam, plastic, cardboard, paper, and combinationsthereof.
 17. The apparatus of claim 2, said layer of material comprisinga foil sticker.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11, said DNA-containingobject being on a separate medium.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a memory device including medical information about anindividual.
 20. A sticker comprising: a first layer presenting a hingedflap thereon, a top and an opposed bottom side; and a second layerpresenting a top side and a bottom side, said second layer top sidelying adjacent said first layer bottom side, said second layer bottomside including adhesive thereon, and said second layer including acut-out portion, said cut-out portion presenting an enclosed cavityadapted for storage when said second layer top side and said first layerbottom side are positioned adjacent one another.
 21. The sticker ofclaim 20, said top side of said first layer including printed indiciathereon.
 22. The sticker of claim 21, said printed indica identifying anindividual.
 23. The sticker of claim 21, said printed indicia includingmedical information.
 24. The sticker of claim 20, said hinged flap beingpositioned above said cut-out portion.
 25. The sticker of claim 20, saidfirst and second layers being adhered together.
 26. The sticker of claim20, said first layer bottom side including a material on said hingedflap, said material being selected from the group consisting ofremovable backing paper, releasing agent and combinations thereof. 27.The sticker of claim 20, further comprising a material selected from thegroup consisting of a sheet of removable backing paper, releasing agent,and combinations thereof positioned adjacent to said second layer bottomside.
 28. The sticker of claim 22, said cavity including aDNA-containing object therein.
 29. The sticker of claim 28, saidDNA-containing object being contained on a separate medium.
 30. Thesticker of claim 20, further comprising a memory device includingmedical information about an individual.
 31. The sticker of claim 26,said identified individual being the source of said DNA-containingobject.
 32. A DNA-storage device comprising: a sticker presenting afirst layer, a second layer, and a DNA-containing object therebetween,said object being obtained from a known source, each of said layershaving a front side and a back side with the back side of said firstlayer being adjacent the front side of said second layer, said frontside of said first layer including identifying indicia thereon and saidback side of said second layer including adhesive thereon.
 33. Thedevice of claim 32, further comprising a third layer attached to saidadhesive.
 34. The device of claim 32, said identifying indicia includingthe identification of said known source of said DNA-containing object.35. The device of claim 32, said identifying indicia includinghealth-related information from said known source of said object. 36.The device of claim 32, said identifying indicia including the medicalhistory of said known source.
 37. The device of claim 32, saididentifying indicia being decipherable without the aid of an electronicdevice.
 38. The device of claim 32, said identifying indicia including abar code.
 39. The device of claim 33, said third layer comprising amaterial selected from the group consisting of a sheet of removablebacking paper, releasing agent, and combinations thereof.
 40. The deviceof claim 32, said DNA-containing object being selected from the groupconsisting of hair, blood, fingernails, saliva, skin, and combinationsthereof.
 41. The device of claim 32, said DNA-containing object being ona separate medium.
 42. The device of claim 32, further comprising amemory device including medical information about an individual.
 43. Amedical alert card for an individual comprising: a three layer cardbody, said first layer including medical information thereon, saidsecond layer comprising a core having a receptacle therein, and saidthird layer comprising a material selected from removable backing paper,releasing agent, and combinations thereof.
 44. The card of claim 43,said first layer presenting a front side and a back side, said frontside including said medical information and said back side beingadjacent said second layer.
 45. The card of claim 43, said second layerpresenting a front side and a back side, said front side being adjacentsaid first layer back side and said back side being adjacent said thirdlayer and including adhesive thereon.
 46. The card of claim 43, saidreceptacle comprising a cut-out portion.
 47. The card of claim 46, saidcut-out portion extending through said second layer.
 48. The card ofclaim 43, further comprising a DNA-containing object in said receptacle.49. The card of claim 48, said DNA-containing object being selected fromthe group consisting of hair, fingernails, blood, saliva, skin andcombinations thereof.
 50. The card of claim 48, said DNA-containingobject being obtained from the individual.
 51. The card of claim 43,said medical information identifying the individual and comprising theindividual's personal medical information.
 52. The card of claim 51,said medical information being decipherable without the aid of anelectronic device.
 53. The card of claim 51, said medical informationbeing contained in a barcode.
 54. The card of claim 43, said secondlayer being flexible.
 55. The card of claim 48, said DNA-containingobject being on a separate medium.
 56. The card of claim 43 furthercomprising a memory device including medical information about anindividual.
 57. A medical alert card for an individual comprising: acard body presenting a first layer and a second layer, said first layerincluding medical information thereon, said second layer removablyattached to said first layer and comprising a core having a receptacletherein, said first layer including a portion overlying said receptacle.58. The card of claim 57, said second layer presenting a front side anda back side, said front side being adjacent said first layer and saidback side including a layer of adhesive thereon.
 59. The card of claim58, further including indicia on at least one of said first or secondlayers.
 60. The card of claim 59, said indicia being selected from thegroup consisting of printed indicia, indicia which is readable with theaid of an electronic device, and combinations thereof.
 61. The card ofclaim 59, said indicia including medical information.
 62. The card ofclaim 57 further comprising a third layer adjacent said second layer.63. The card of claim 62, said third layer comprising a materialselected from the group consisting of removable backing paper, releasingagent, and combinations thereof.
 64. The card of claim 57, said firstlayer comprising a foil sticker.
 65. The card of claim 57, furthercomprising a layer of adhesive between said first and said secondlayers.
 66. The card of claim 57, said receptacle comprising a blisterpouch.
 67. The card of claim 57, further comprising a DNA-containingobject in said receptacle.
 68. The card of claim 67, further comprisingindicia on at least one of said first or second layers, said indiciaincluding personally identifying information from the individual fromwhom said DNA-containing object was obtained.
 69. The card of claim 67,said DNA-containing object being on a separate medium.
 70. The card ofclaim 57, further comprising a memory device including medicalinformation about an individual.